Superintendent’s Column – Knights Begin the Year with Energy and Purpose

Superintendent’s Column – Knights Begin the Year with Energy and Purpose

Sep 3, 2025 | Chamber News

The start of a new school year is always a special time in Nordonia. With more than 3,400 students walking through our doors across six buildings, it takes careful planning and teamwork to make everything run smoothly. From bus routes and cafeteria schedules to open houses and safety drills, our staff has once again risen to the challenge. I am proud of our principals, teachers, aides, and support staff for the energy and care they’ve shown as we launch 2025–26.

Highlights Across the District
Every building has started the year with energy, focus, and pride.

  • Nordonia High School hosted a successful Freshman Orientation with over 30 activity tables to connect students to clubs, sports, and opportunities. Our football team opened the season with a big win, and the Class of 2026 will welcome the kindergarten Class of 2038 to the field as part of a new tradition.
  • Nordonia Middle School welcomed 7th and 8th graders with orientation days, reviewed safety procedures, and quickly adjusted to staffing changes to keep students supported.
  • Lee Eaton Intermediate launched Knight Vision, where students set weekly SMART goals to practice responsibility and reflection. The school also welcomed Kent State University pre-service teachers who will assist in classrooms this fall.
  • Ledgeview Elementary opened the year with a focus on literacy. Teachers are implementing new reading and writing programs while also building curriculum maps to guide instruction. Families joined for Meet, Greet, and Drop Night, helping create a strong start for students.
  • Northfield Elementary rolled out a new Moments of Kindness initiative to celebrate students and staff who make a positive impact in their school community.
  • Rushwood Elementary had a strong start with kindergarteners learning the three main rules: be respectful, be responsible, and be ready to learn. Families of kindergarten students will also join the football team’s pre-game walk as part of their introduction to Nordonia traditions.

District Achievements
Last year, Nordonia students earned more than $5 million in scholarships, completed 19,000 hours of community service, and 34 students achieved perfect scores on state tests. Eighteen graduates received the Seal of Biliteracy. In athletics, multiple teams made deep playoff runs, and in the arts, Nordonia choirs and bands continued to shine at state and national levels.

Investing in Facilities and Safety
This summer, we completed roof projects at the high school, middle school, and Rushwood, installed a new boiler at Northfield, and repaired sidewalks and parking lots. We also added security cameras and partnered with the Macedonia Police Department for training exercises, including a large multi-agency drill at Ledgeview. These steps ensure our schools remain safe, secure, and well-maintained.

Looking Ahead
Our Drama Club will bring You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to the stage on October 25–26, followed by Romeo & Juliet in December — the first Shakespeare performance at Nordonia since 2019. In the spring, our annual musical will take place April 17–19.

Thank you to our families and community for your continued support. With strong academics, vibrant arts, competitive athletics, and caring staff, we are off to a strong start. Together, we are inspiring every student to value learning, community, and excellence.

Go Knights!

Casey G. Wright

Superintendent

Nordonia Hills City Schools

Phone: (330) 467-0580

More News

Great Things Happening in Our Schools

Great Things Happening in Our Schools

As we move into the fall, I wanted to share a few things happening in our school buildings. Our students are doing great things, and that is really the best part of this job. At Nordonia High School, students have been busy with Safe Decisions Week, Homecoming,...

Why Teen Athletes Need Strength Training

Why Teen Athletes Need Strength Training

When parents think about helping their teen become a better athlete, they often focus on practices, private lessons, camps, and sport-specific training. While those are important, strength training can also play a valuable role in athletic development. Whether a teen...

A New School Year Begins at Nordonia

A New School Year Begins at Nordonia

The start of a new school year changes the rhythm of the entire community. Buses are back on the roads, stadium lights are on again, and our school buildings are full of students and staff. Even if you do not currently have children or grandchildren in our schools, I...

How to Break Through a Strength Plateau: Real Strategies That Actually Work

How to Break Through a Strength Plateau – Iron Valley Gym

Plateaus happen to everyone — beginners, seasoned lifters, even competitive athletes. You train hard, stay consistent, put in real effort… and suddenly the numbers stop moving. It’s frustrating, but completely normal. A plateau isn’t failure — it’s feedback. Once you...

The Value of Working with a Local Health Insurance Broker blog post nordoonia

The Value of Working with a Local Health Insurance Broker

Choosing a health insurance plan is one of the most consequential financial decisions a person or business owner will make each year. However, most people navigate it alone, clicking through a government website or a carrier's application with little guidance. A...

7 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make and How to Avoid Them blog post

7 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make and How to Avoid Them

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life and can feel overwhelming. Between online advice, social media, mortgage calculators and opinions from friends and family: many buyers are unsure where to begin. Here are seven mistakes frequently...

A New School Year Begins in Nordonia Hills

A New School Year Begins in Nordonia Hills

A new school year is about to begin, and you can already feel the change across our community. School buses will soon be back on the roads, athletic fields will be busy, and students will once again fill our buildings. Students begin returning on Thursday, August 20,...

Title for Featured Member of the Month 4

Title for Featured Member of the Month 4

Distinctively enable one-to-one value after interactive opportunities. Monotonectally coordinate B2B deliverables via granular potentialities. Dynamically mesh flexible e-markets before viral products. Intrinsicly recaptiualize orthogonal relationships whereas...

Title for Featured Member of the Month 3

Title for Featured Member of the Month 3

Distinctively enable one-to-one value after interactive opportunities. Monotonectally coordinate B2B deliverables via granular potentialities. Dynamically mesh flexible e-markets before viral products. Intrinsicly recaptiualize orthogonal relationships whereas...